More and more people are becoming painfully aware of the environmental issues due to pollution and the greenhouse effect. Transportation is one of the contributors to these problems you can improve by adapting to more sustainable ways to commute that will save money and the planet. So, if you are ready to turn into an eco-friendly commuter, here are the best ways to change the game in favor of a healthier future.

Use Public Transportation Wisely

Public transportation is cheaper and more sustainable than driving a car to work! This allows you to be focused on yourself by listening to music, reading a book, or preparing for a presentation. To increase your sustainability, get off your transport  a station or two early and walk. 

In case you feel guilty for even the shortest ride on public transportation, you can redeem yourself by buying carbon offset credits. By doing so, you are funding environment groups working on cleaning up and improving the planet.   

Walk Every Chance You Have

Walking is a healthy and extremely sustainable way to go to work. Consider how much time it would take you on foot and see if that is something you are willing to do at least a couple of times a week. Our recommendation is to put on your running shoes for your walks since they will take good care of your feet. You can easily replace them with other footwear once you arrive and use a foot massager at your desk to relax the muscles.  

Get Sustainable Car

Yes, a sustainable car, like a hybrid or electric one, will cost you, but it’s worth it in the long run. If money is an issue, you can be a smarter driver by not changing gears quickly, respecting speed limits, and not using your air conditioning constantly.

Another way to be a sustainable driver is to find brands that make cars intended to spend as little fuel as possible. Check out our 9 ways to save money on car fuel with gas. Owning a car on alternative fuel, like LPG or biogas, can also be a good idea but ask for their limitations before deciding to get one.

Organize Carpool With Colleagues

Sometimes you don’t have any other option than to go by car. While this may be unfortunate, you still have the option of carpooling to minimize the carbon footprint. Organize with colleagues who live nearby or are on your way to work to share a ride and fuel bill. 

In case your colleagues are unavailable, neighbors and family members going in the same direction can also be interested in carpooling. Sharing a car means fewer vehicles in the traffic and more money in your pocket for other things.

Give in to Buying An E-Scooter

E-scooters are somewhat controversial because of users who don’t respect traffic rules and pedestrians. However, this doesn’t mean scooters are not a good idea if you are willing to be a kinder and respectful rider. These battery-powered vehicles are decently fast and can get you anywhere you need to be within a two-hour drive on average. 

Ride Your Bike Around Town

There are so many good sides to cycling. It’s practical, cheaper, and healthy for both us and the environment. The technology is so advanced you can get a folding bike that you can carry everywhere with you and keep in your office. Those who are afraid of being too exhausted from cycling can try e-bikes that are less physically demanding, allowing you to ride farther. 

Just like walking, this type of commuting will keep your muscles, joints, and posture in shape, especially if you sit a lot. With zero-carbon emissions, this is the best way to save money you would spend on gas and help the planet recover.         

Put Wheels On Your Feet

During the 70s and 80s, roller skates were popular to an extent that people used them to get to school, work, movies, and anywhere else. Rollerblades replace them in the 90s and even turned into a sports category. Both types of roller footwear are once again trendy which makes them ideal ways to commute that save money and the planet. Besides being excellent for health, they are fast and you can ride them almost anywhere as long as it’s safe.

Hop On Longboard

Skateboard is another relic from the 80s that was widely used among kids and teenagers and has seen a comeback in recent years. However, instead of a skateboard, you should opt for his cousin – the longboard which is great for transportation and beginners. If you have a dog that you take to work, they can ride on the board with you. 

While this all sounds cool, longboards are not as reliable as bikes or even roller skates. They require balance and coordination, as well as respecting drivers and pedestrians you encounter along the way. Nonetheless, a longboard is a choice that doesn’t leave any carbon footprint and can help you avoid traffic jams. 

Lnclude Errands In Your Commute

If you use commute means that contribute to carbon footprint, you can control this to some extent by organizing your day more productively. For example, if you need to take clothes to the dry cleaners, do it before or after work. The same applies to paying bills, going to the bank, shopping, and other errands that are on your way. This will save you an extra trip to take care of such errands during a weekend or your day off. 

Consider  Work-From-Home Arrangement

Remote work is quite normal nowadays, even though the global pandemic lessening its grip on the world. Talk to your superiors to work from home or use a hybrid model during a week, and be honest about your reasons. A lot of employers are dedicated to sustainable behavior and eco-friendly practices, so chances are they will say “yes.” Of course, being your own boss also comes with the benefit to declare remote work as your standard operation mode. 

In conclusion

It’s always nice to know that you have a say in the matter, this time it being how you can be more kind to the environment. These sustainable ways to commute are good for your health, budget, and the planet, but are also a fun and fresh way to approach your habits and reduce the carbon footprint plaguing the planet.